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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

SPJ Leads

SPJ News

SPJ Blogs: Newest Posts

Quill Headlines

Journalist's Toolbox

@SPJ_Tweets

Connect with SPJ

SPJ on Facebook

Upcoming Eventsand Deadlines

Become an SPJ Member

For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

This letter was sent to chapter leaders on behalf of SPJ President Dave Aeikens:

Dear chapter leaders,

We want to bring your attention to a change that will make a difference.

This year, we will be using the auction that has annually raised money for the Legal Defense Fund to raise money for the Terry Harper Memorial Fund.

The executive committee made this decision June 27 after a recommendation from the staff. Here’s why: the LDF already has $130,000 in it and we have not spent more than a few thousand dollars each year. So it is in good shape.

At the same time, we have an exciting opportunity to jumpstart another fund that will honor someone who led SPJ so ably and that will greatly benefit SPJ members. We also have a creative way to bring attention and potentially more money to the LDF during the convention that we will explain later in this letter.

SPJ leadership is fully committed to the LDF. Four of the executive committee members serve on the six-member voting committee. The board is looking at how it can improve the LDF and attract even more requests.

It should be clear that we contacted all donors to the auction and asked if they would want to have their items used for the Harper Memorial instead. All but two said they would be happy to help the cause. Those two received their items back.

A committee has been working with Lee Ann Harper, Terry’s wife, to create a lasting tribute. A decision has not been made but two ideas are being considered. The first would be an SDX award for investigative reporting in new media. A second would provide grants for members to attend SPJ professional development programs. The board will be asked to approve the plan Aug. 27, and if the board approves, it would be announced at the reception that night.

We are working on a terrific and exciting new way to raise money and draw attention to LDF at the convention. The Jailed For Journalism event is similar to a jail and bail that has the potential to raise more money and provide more attention to LDF than the traditional auction because it will run all weekend and might attract news coverage. LDF Chairwoman Julie Kay supports this effort and is working with those who are planning it. We urge your chapter to volunteer to work the booth or take part by being jailed or paying to have someone jailed as well as take part in the auction.